On average, the Dutch work until June 21 for the tax office, putting the country in 19th place in a ranking of when citizens of all 28 European Union member states are working ‘tax free’.

The figures come from the European organisation New Direction, a conservative think-tank that wants reform of the EU and a lower tax burden for its citizens.

It takes a Cypriot until March 21 before his money is his own. A Belgian must work until August 6 before he pays off his tax bill.